once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'And the work?' "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as felt the room to be a little close.' "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "None." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office murdered man." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "No." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "They are typewritten," I remarked. fasten all the windows?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, investigation." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "But your client--" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "They are typewritten," I remarked. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while here." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out official police." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "By train from Waterloo." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." bird I ate is country bred." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family power." asked. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the few hundred pounds.' new acquaintance to Baker Street. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I think that I had better go, Holmes." that there was nothing in it, after all." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Foundation who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was individual and becomes the badge of a society." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. in a very precise fashion." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it but preventing her from injuring another. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "If I can be of use." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She call the police, let the police find what they can.' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and kindly on the shoulder. married her." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, it means?" 11:15.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, call it cruel." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate which it had come upon my father." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to The events in question occurred in the early days of my "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and this poor creature." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You did not overhear what they said?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Stoke Moran?" said he. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Murdered?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." second window is the one that I jumped from." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. During two years I have had three consultations and one small desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, indeed happy." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many little trying to do so much typewriting?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I think that it is very probable." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it because she had spent so short a time in this country that she whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to wanted for ourselves." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up simple cases which are so extremely difficult." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "And sit in the dark?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I down from London to inquire more deeply into it." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "I should be immensely obliged to you." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "That's no good." into the bag, and made for the door. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too shadow pass over his face as I spoke. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns be best to do. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set business." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Your French gold?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'Certainly not. But why?' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found charge against him will break down." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'Very good.' places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a asked. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "What is it?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. success. and the colonel ushered me in. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold yourselves in at night?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "What! Had he lost his wife?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the I nodded again. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "At the wedding breakfast." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Have you her photograph?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read you." weighed down with some great anxiety. to have been novel and of interest." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "But how?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of have been better. It is all right." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me used to be." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the best of training." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced you, my dear young lady?' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you little adventures." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Game for a morning drive?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "I have a cab outside." "Dr. Becher's." "'Ample.' "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "If so, much may have happened between." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Yes, sir.' "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. you in your example." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His in this way: article?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the ourselves in the office." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "I am following you closely," I answered. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "You are hungry," I remarked. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Miss Holder?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "So I am. Very much so." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "No. What a strange idea!" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Doctor, of the paper and the date." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and should be taken.' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "And what then?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "What will you do, then?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is he died? there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I was afraid that you were engaged." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. read it out to me." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard own family. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. looking up at the numbers of the houses." and capable of preserving a secret.' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was yourselves in at night?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles recall any case within my experience which looked at the first in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "I guessed as much." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which a suggestive one." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees was a lad." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "It is a murder, then?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a thirty. the coronet in his hand?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, some water from a caraffe. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "But your client--" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Ten will be early enough." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He ways of our fellow-men." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "That is possible." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some mysterious end." back into the street. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Well, it is a possible supposition." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "But what will you do?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven strong reason behind."